British Gas customers can get £156 in their bank accounts

Households have been told they could save money on their energy bills by signing up to a scheme with their local council. The Big Community Switch helps residents switch to a cheaper, 100% renewable electricity tariff, and does the work for them, saving them hassle of finding the best deal.

Solihull Council is among local authorities taking part in the scheme, with residents invited to apply. It said British Gas was offering residents the cheapest energy tariff on the market for a 12-month fixed rate which could save an average of £156 on annual energy bills based on a dual fuel monthly direct debit online contract.

Solihull Council’s cabinet member for housing, Councillor Mark Parker, said: “Switching energy suppliers can be a daunting task, especially in current market conditions, but this initiative helps ensure households have access to competitive deals through a hassle-free process.

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“With continuing uncertainty in the energy market, we are pleased the scheme offers residents a deal which will help them take control of their energy costs and could help them save money on their bills.” Solihull Council’s cabinet member for climate change and planning, Councillor Andy Mackiewicz, said: “Solihull Council has supported the Big Community Switch since October 2015 and during that time the scheme has helped more than 7,300 residents save a staggering £1.855 million combined, but it has also helped to save 3,532 tonnes of CO2.

“As well as saving themselves money, switching to green, renewable energy is one way residents can help play their part in addressing the climate emergency, cutting their carbon emissions and contributing to our goal of achieving net zero as a borough by 2041.”

Big Community Switch is run by iChoosr, an independent expert in energy switching. George Frost, UK country manager at iChoosr, said: “Big Community Switch has a clear mission: to help households easily find better energy deals and alleviate the financial burden of high energy costs.

“Now is the perfect time for residents to take action, with the scheme providing access to the cheapest energy tariff on the market for a 12-month fixed rate. Whether unhappy with a current provider or waiting for a more stable market, Big Community Switch is here to assist, helping manage energy costs more effectively.”

More information is available at www.solihull.gov.uk/your-future-solihull/big-community-switch.